Stateline Stories

'Sovereign Citizens' Make Noise in Wyoming

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: A fringe political group that considers the U.S. government illegitimate is something the FBI would rather not talk about ... Michigan's governor asks for major concessions from a correctional officers' union ... Democrats see a chance to gain Pennsylvania's top law enforcement job for the first time in decades, and other public safety news.

Teachers Increasingly Look to Mountain States for Jobs

States that have fared better than most in the recession, such as Wyoming and Montana, have seen a spike in applications from teachers outside their borders.

Wisconsin Voter ID Law Unlikely to Apply in November

Wisconsinites this November won’t likely need to show photo identification at the polls. That’s because the state Supreme Court says it won’t immediately consider whether to reinstate a voter ID law blocked in a lower court.

Wisconsin Teachers Seek Last-Minute Contracts

EDUCATION BEAT: Wisconsin teachers want to lock in new contracts before anti-union legislation takes effect ... Pennsylvania governor calls for $1.5 billion in education cuts ... Michigan grants emergency financial managers broad powers, and other education news.

States Share Latest On Rx Programs

Officials from Florida, Maine, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia will provide updates on their Medicaid and state employee prescription drug programs at a forum in Pittsburgh Friday (1/11).

The Not-So-Dependable Sales Tax

In a recession, people cut back on buying things they don't really need. States that depend heavily on sales tax revenue for their budgets have been hit hard as a result.

How Governors Govern Higher Ed

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett are the latest governors to play a role in resolving crises at their state universities.

Virginia Out to Widen Use of Life-Saving Devices

Twenty year-old medical technology could save hundreds of thousands of Americans who die from cardiac arrest each year, but legal barriers have stymied its use. Now Virginia is taking the lead in trying to remove these barriers.

Virginia GOP Seizes Legislature, Dem Re-elected Kentucky Gov

Voters in Virginia Tuesday gave Republican Gov. James S. Gilmore III something the Old Dominion has never seen before -- a state legislature completely controlled by the GOP. In Kentucky, Democrat Gov. Paul Patton coasted to re-election. But a Mississippi governor's race between Democrat Ronnie Musgrove and Republican Mike Parker was too close to call on Wednesday morning, and officials said it might take 10 days before final results are known. In Washington, voters scrapped a car tax and gave the electorate more say over future tax policy.

States Embracing Use of 'Green Power'

Demand for "green power" -- electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as wind and water -- is slowly rising. The movement owes its momentum to state policies. Texas, for example, recently passed an electric utility deregulation law stipulating that a certain percentage of Lone Star electricity must be made with green power. For more information, click on

States Push to Convert Interstate Highways into Toll Roads

Interstates need money for repairs, and charging toll fees can bring in a lot of it. But the federal government is cool to the idea.

Should States Get Out of the Booze Business?

Pennsylvania is as close as it has ever come to privatizing liquor sales following a House vote in March. Tricky questions await the Senate as it considers whether to modernize or dismantle the state’s multifarious system.

Pennsylvania State of the State Address 2013

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania -- Feb. 5 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tom Corbett's 2013 State of the State Address:

Pennsylvania Governor Wants State to Exit Liquor Business, Use Proceeds for Schools

Corbett on Wednesday unveiled a plan that would remove Pennsylvania from liquor business and funnel to schools proceeds from the sale of alcohol licenses.

After Sandy, Some Homeowners Spared from Costly Hurricane Deductibles

Governor Tom Corbett added Pennsylvania to the growing list of states — including Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and New York — where governors and insurance regulators have told insurers to spare homeowners from the costly deductibles after the superstorm whirled across the East Coast, causing heavy wind and flood damage to property and leaving millions without power.

Voter ID Rulings Vex Administrators Ahead of Election Day

Recent court rulings and ongoing lawsuits have prompted widespread concerns about whether election laws can work smoothly next Tuesday.

Sandusky Case Influences Pennsylvania Contest for Attorney General

Neither candidate for Pennsylvania’s top law enforcement post has anything to do with the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse case. But it’s the main thing they talk about.

Pa. Legislature Passes Bill Modifying Juvenile Sentences

The Pennsylvania Legislature has sent a bill to the governor that would dramatically reduce sentences for juveniles convicted of murder, seeking to bring the state in line with a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Pa. Supreme Court Spares Man From Execution

In a two-sentence order released hours before Terrance Williams’ originally scheduled death by lethal injection, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied the request of state prosecutors to go ahead with the execution, punishment for robbing and murdering a man who allegedly sexually abused Williams.

Pa. Voter ID Law Blocked Before Election

A state judge Tuesday blocked the GOP-backed requirement that Pennsylvania voters present photo identification at the polls, landing the latest blow to the party's efforts to tighten voter eligibility across the country.

Sponsor of Pa. Voter ID Law Says Only “Lazy” People Would Lose Chance to Vote

The sponsor of Pennsylvania’s voter identification law says only “lazy” people would be disenfranchised this November by requirements to show photo identification at the polls.

Pa. Board Denies Clemency For Death Row Inmate Allegedly Abused by Victim

The majority vote wasn’t enough to spare Terrance Williams from his pending execution. Now, his life depends upon a last-ditch court effort in court Thursday (September 19). The Pennsylvania Board of Pardons on Monday voted 3-2 to grant clemency to the convicted murderer who was allegedly sexually abused by his vi

Pennsylvania Judge Refuses to Halt Voter ID Law

A Pennsylvania judge on Wednesday refused to block the state’s controversial voter ID law, smoothing the way for its use during the November election.

Pennsylvania Ends its General Assistance Program

Budget cuts force an end to Pennsylvania’s General Assistance Program

Pennsylvania Struggles to Help Its Weakest Cities

Pennsylvania has an ambitious program aimed at fixing the finances of troubled cities. In most cases, it doesn’t accomplish a lot.

Pennsylvania Bars Harrisburg Bankruptcy

Disagreements between Pennsylvania and its capital city have at least temporarily deprived Harrisburg of a fiscal tool it would like to use.

Pennsylvania Executive Budget Address 2011

HARRISBURG, Pa. - March 8 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tom Corbett's (R) 2011 executive budget address: I am here today to talk with you about the future and how to reach it. The path to that future takes us through a present time fraught with troubles. No other General Assembly or Governor has faced t

Pennsylvania Executive Budget Address 2010

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Feb. 9 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ed Rendell's (D) 2010 executive budget address: Good morning. I am pleased to be with you today to present my proposed FY2010-2011 state budget. This assembly represents a critical facet of our democracy, a democracy defined in ink and defended in b

Facing Off Over Funerals

A Federal judge last month ordered the Pennsylvania state board of funeral directors to rewrite their “outmoded” regulations that limited the numbers of funeral homes any one director could own, restricted the naming of homes, and prohibited funeral homes from serving food. Industry experts say the ruling could have broad implications for other states.

Pennsylvania Executive Budget Address

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Feb. 4 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ed Rendell's (D) 2009 executive budget address: Good morning. I am pleased to be with you today to present my proposed FY2009-2010 state budget. But before we do so, let us take a moment to pay tribute to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who refused to

Pennsylvania Executive Budget Address 2007

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb 6. - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ed Rendell's (D) 2007 executive budget address. Good morning. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Madame President, Members of the 190th Legislature, distinguished guests, my fellow Pennsylvanians. It has become a solemn tradition for all of us over

Pennsylvania Executive Budget Address 2006

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 8 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ed Rendell's 2006 executive budget address: Good morning. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Madame President, Members of the 189th Legislature, distinguished guests, my Fellow Pennsylvanians. Today marks the fourth year I have been privileged to p

Pennsylvania Executive Budget Address 2001

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania - Feb. 5 - Following is the text of Gov. Tom Ridge's 2001 Executive Budget Address: Thank you, Lieutenant Governor Schweiker and Speaker Ryan. We the People, in order to form a more perfect union.... I told you this would be a good speech! Of course, those words belong not to me, but to

Pennsylvania Land Program Gets Kudos, Knocks

Pennsylvania is in the forefront of an environmental movement to preserve farmland from development, but the Keystone State program is controversial. Proponents say natural resources are being protected, but the programs critics call it a money machine for cash-strapped landowners.

Pennsylvania Liquor Stores Get More Competitive

In an effort to boost its bottom-line, Pennsylvania is trying to entice more people to purchase alcohol in Pennsylvania instead of neighboring states by making its state-owned liquor stores more customer-friendly.

Keystone State Extends Same-Sex Benefits

Pennsylvania recently became the sixth state to allow gay and lesbian employees to use family or sick leave time to care for their domestic partner. The provision allowing use of sick leave, which had been on the table in union negotiations for more than a decade, was included in a four-year contract between the state and 13,000 unionized workers.

Pennsylvania To Test New School Management

Over the objections of a coalition of 40 community groups, a Pennsylvania school reform panel has voted to hire several for-profit education management firms to run Philadelphias failing schools. The panel hopes these firms will help turn the struggling schools into laboratories of student achievement while cutting costs.

Pennsylvania Hosts Suspenseful Democratic Primary

Pennsylvania Democrats appear headed for a cliffhanger primary Tuesday to decide the partys candidate for governor. Auditor Bob Casey Jr. and former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell are running neck and neck for the right to take on Republican Mike Fisher in the November election.

Aging Prison Populations Drive Up State Costs

Longer sentences and repeat offenders mean states now have aging prison populations, requiring special care for elderly inmates and driving up costs to the taxpayers. It costs about three times as much as the norm to incarcerate elderly inmates, according to the National Institute of Corrections.

States Strive to Protect E-Gov Gains Post-9-11

For states in the vanguard of e-government the delivery of government services via the Internet -- post 9/11 security concerns are posing new challenges at a time when the fiscal squeeze felt by most of the states is affecting information technology budgets.

Governors Launch Anti-Terror Network

Declaring that direction of future national homeland security efforts "has to come from the governors," a leading member of the National Governors' Association has announced plans for a multistate interagency anti-terror information network. Its purpose: To help officials operate more effectively across all levels of government and the private sector to prevent or respond to terrorist activity.

Keystone State Voters Betting on Slots

Pennsylvania voters know one thing for sure about the November elections -- expanded gambling is coming to the Keystone State despite opposition from religious leaders. Regardless of which major party candidate for governor they select Republican Michael Fisher or Democrat Edward Rendell, they will, in essence, be voting for slot machines.

Pennsylvania College Redefines Brownfields Reclamation

The reclamation of abandoned, polluted industrial sites has won the endorsement of virtually every governor in the country, including two of that groups most distinguished recent alumni, President George W. Bush and EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman. But if the dual goal of brownfield cleanups is economic vitality and environmental protection, then removing contamination is only the first step. And thats just one of several lessons that faculty and students at tiny Allegheny College in the heart of Pennsylvanias Rust Belt are teaching state officials, reputed national leaders in brownfield restoration.

State Commemorative Quarters Boost Coin Collecting

Two years into the U.S. Mint's State Commemorative Quarter program, the mint estimates that millions of Americans are collecting the coins. Many of the twenty-five cent pieces put into circulation so far have been subjects of public debates, so states that are still designing their coins are trying to submit proposals that are unique and non-controversial.

Pennsylvania Acts to Staunch 'Brain Drain'

Pennsylvania faces a "brain drain" problem -- the loss of college-educated workers so critical to the New Economy. So the Keystone State has just launched a $9 million campaign to attract and retain the kind of talent needed for high tech jobs.

Schweiker Takes Charge as Pennsylvania Governor

Serving as lieutenant governor can sometimes be a thankless job. Most state residents, polls show, can't even remember the name of their second in command. But in Pennsylvania, Mark Schweiker doesn't have that problem. If he's not well known now, he will be soon since he drops the 'lieutenant' from the title he's held for nearly seven years Friday (10/5) and replaces the departing Tom Ridge.

Pennsylvania, Washington Take Different Paths To E-Government

Microsoft and Pennsylvania. Bill Gates and Gov. Tom Ridge. Their state web site development partnership is stirring up controversy in the Keystone State. Should states partner with private Internet companies to develop their web sites? Or should they follow the example of Gates' home state, Washington, and go it alone?

On The Record: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge's name is often mentioned when political handicappers try to guess whom Texas Gov. George W. Bush wants as his Republican vice presidential running mate. However, GOP conservatives abhor Ridge's pro-choice stance on abortion, prompting an unflattering article in the National Review. Ridge discussed that article and other matters with Stateline.org Senior Writer Blair S. Walker during the National Governors' Association meeting at Penn State University earlier this month.

State Leaders To Discuss Regional Problems, Solutions

As Republicans clear out of Philadelphia humming with the good vibes of their harmonic convergence and the Democrats gear up for their convention in Los Angeles later this month, thousands of state leaders will gather this weekend to talk about regional problems and solutions at bipartisan meetings of the Council of State Governments in Providence, R.I., Biloxi, Miss., Minneapolis, Minn., and Colorado Springs, Colo.

Welfare Crisis Looms in Pennsylvania

Taped to a wall where Tanya McFadden waits for her caseworker is a somber reminder of how far welfare reform has come in Pennsylvania. "One Check Left," the sign says. For McFadden and thousands of others like her, March spells the beginning of the end. Statewide, 37,734 adults -- mostly single mothers -- will hit their two-year limit for public assistance. Under Pennsylvania law, they are required to work for 20 hours a week, or else lose welfare benefits for the whole family. Some 25,876 of them, nearly 70 percent, live in the Philadelphia area.

Pennsylvania's Electric Deregulation Seen As Success Story

Shaped by conflict and confrontation, Pennsylvania's electric utility deregulation program has become a model for its ability to entice consumers to switch power providers. Not so enthusiastic are investor-owned utilities, which grumble that Pennsylvania short-circuits the free enterprise system by helping to establish the price of electricity.

Pa. Gov's Race in Spotlight

With neither candidate facing an opponent in Tuesday's primary election, the race for Pennsylvania governor has already started with the incumbent, Democrat Ed Rendell, facing Republican Lynn Swann, a pro football great who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Primaries Feed Incumbents' Jitters

In the latest sign that an anti-incumbent mood may be spreading through the electorate, voters in Pennsylvania and four other states with early primaries have booted 25 incumbents --including six high-ranking leaders -- out of the legislature. While national polls show a growing disenchantment with Congress, primary elections yield the first indication that officeholders at the state level also may have reason to worry about re-election.

Boomers Answer Call to Service

Pa. Rep.-elect Frank Andrews Shimkus (D) Frank Andrews Shimkus, 54, is a former local TV broadcaster turned freshman Pennsylvania legislator. He is one of more than 1,200 new faces in statehouses across the country and part of a new political breed -- baby boomers who want to make a difference.

Pennyslvania Gaming Expansion Roils Historic Site

About four miles from one of America's most sacred sites -- the Civil War battlefield here -- developers energized by a new Pennsylvania law that authorizes the largest expansion of gambling in state history want to build a slot machine casino.

'Don't Forget Us,' PA Candidates Tell Voters

As Pennsylvanians prepare to go to the polls tomorrow to cast ballots in the April 22 presidential primary, experts wonder how the surge in registered voters will affect little-noticed state legislative races, particularly those in the House, where Democrats cling to a one-seat majority.

AGs Aim to Make MySpace a Safe Space

Under pressure from state attorneys general, the popular social-networking Web site MySpace agreed Monday to turn over information on thousands of sex offenders it kicked off its site in early May.

Politically Uncorrected: The next big one

Pennsylvania has conducted some big elections lately: big presidential races, big gubernatorial races, and big congressional races. Indeed, big, important, and eventful elections have become a regular feature of the State's political landscape.

Taking a Second Look at Rendell for Second Place

TIME Magazine, in what may be another sign that the Democratic presidential race is becoming a rout, has recently published a speculative listing of prospective candidates for the vice-presidential nomination. Notably absent from Time's list is Pennsylvania's two- term Governor, Ed Rendell.

Keystone State's Gov Looms Large

PHILADELPHIA - Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell is charting an ambitious course in Pennsylvania. Think super-size, both on policy - health care, gambling, tax increases - and in personality.

Transcript of 'Out There's' Pennsylvania Roundtable

PHILADELPHIA - Now in his fifth year as governor, Democrat Ed Rendell has left his imprint both on policy and politics in Pennsylvania. On Aug. 3, Out There discussed Rendell's legacy with a roundtable of Keystone State political observers. Below are edited excerpts from that conversation.

Should States Be in the Liquor Business?

Several states that tightly control liquor sales are debating whether to turn them over to the private sector.

Study: Why Pa. Turnpike Plan Failed

As states consider public-private partnerships to pay for transportation projects, a new report assesses Pennsylvania's unsuccessful plan to lease its turnpike to a private operator.

States Advance With Patient-Centered Care

As President Obama pushes for widespread health care reform, state-based programs for chronically ill patients that focus on prevention and improving long-term health - and cutting costs - are emerging as working models.

Tax-Hike Plan Fuels Pa. Budget Standoff

California this week closed a staggering $24 billion budget deficit. But in a handful of other state capitals, like this one two hours west of Philadelphia, deeply unpopular fiscal choices still loom for lawmakers who have failed to pass long-overdue spending plans.

'Jock Tax' Boosts Revenue in Pa., N.J.

TODAY'S TAKE: Philadelphia football fans may jeer when the New York Giants come to town, but city and state budget officials are likely to cheer. That's because Philadelphia and Pennsylvania -- as well as neighboring New Jersey -- tax the income of visiting athletes.

State Police Not Immune to Budget Cuts

TODAY'S TAKE: State police agencies have been propped up with the help of federal stimulus money, but that doesn't mean they are immune to budget cuts. In Tennessee, 13 small counties soon could have no state troopers at all. Pennsylvania is worried that it will not be able to replace retiring officers.

Pennsylvania Takes Step Toward Smaller Legislature

By voting to reduce the number of seats by 25 percent, the Pennsylvania House would make one of the nation's costliest legislatures somewhat cheaper.

Pennsylvania Executive Budget Address 2012

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania - Feb. 7 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tom Corbett's (R) 2012 executive budget address: Speaker Smith, President Pro Tempore Scarnati, Lieutenant Governor Cawley, members of the General Assembly, distinguished cabinet, fellow citizens. Pennsylvanians

Summary of the Pennsylvania Executive Budget Address

In his last executive budget address, term-limited Democratic Gov. Edward G. Rendell Feb. 9 proposed a controversial tax plan that would trim the sales tax rate, but apply it to more goods and services. His $26.3 billion budget proposal includes $2.7 billion in federal stimulus money and assumes continued federal help with health care expenses.

Pennsylvania's 8-year Itch

PHILADELPHIA - For the past 56 years, the curious electoral patterns of this sprawling political battleground have been absolutely regular. Every eight years since 1954, the governorship has switched between Democrats and Republicans. That portends a Republican victory this fall. 2010, however, is emerging as more than the inevitable extension of a trend. It is shaping up as a test of whether anti-Washington and anti-Harrisburg sentiment can overcome what has been a rising Democratic tide in the state, particularly in the populous Philadelphia suburbs.

Transportation Woes Prompt Pennsylvania Session

TODAY'S TAKE: Pennsylvania's aging infrastructure has some dubious claims to fame. The state has 7,000 miles of roads that need to be fixed, along with 5,600 structurally deficient bridges - easily the most in the nation. Meanwhile, starting today (May 4), legislators will meet in a special session to address a $472 million shortfall in transportation funding caused by the federal government's refusal last month to allow the state to place tolls on Interstate 80. Everything from a higher gas tax to new public-private partnerships is on the table.

Congress Making States Nervous

TODAY'S TAKE: States are anxiously watching Congress wrangle over a series of measures they are counting on to help pay for health care, education and unemployment benefits for millions of their residents. But the federal government's well-documented financial problems - and the growing attention paid to them on the campaign trail - are threatening those measures. Critics say the government can't afford them.

Budget Progress in Several States

TODAY'S TAKE: Forty-six states face budget deadlines today (June 30). Unlike last year, when 10 states approached the new fiscal year without spending plans in place, there has been considerable progress this week in states without budgets. Even in Pennsylvania- where Governor Ed Rendell hasn't signed a budget on time in his more than seven years in office - lawmakers appear close to an agreement.

Table Games Open in Pennsylvania

TODAY'S TAKE: By opening table games at six casinos near the New Jersey border within the last week, Pennsylvania is aggressively pursuing its eastern neighbor's gambling market. New Jersey leaders see trouble for the state's pocketbook.

Pennsylvania Ordeal Raises New Questions About States' Info-Gathering

TODAY'S TAKE: Relatively little is known about state governments' homeland security operations, but a scandal in Pennsylvania is focusing new attention on how much information is being collected -- and about whom.

Window for Natural Gas Tax Closing Fast in Pennsylvania

TODAY'S TAKE: Pennsylvania is the only major natural gas-producing state in the nation without a severance tax on that source of energy. While lawmakers have agreed in principle on the need to collect one, time is running out fast before the General Assembly adjourns for campaign season -- a campaign season that could result in an anti-severance tax new governor.

Liquor Privatization on Tap in Pennsylvania, Too?

TODAY'S TAKE: Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett is the latest Republican to propose a major privatization project to raise revenues. Corbett wants to the privatize the state's liquor stores.

Lame-Duck Session Scheduled in Pennsylvania

TODAY'S TAKE: The Democratic-led Pennsylvania House of Representatives, which will fall under Republican control in January, will convene for a special voting session on Monday (November 15). The lame-duck meeting will give outgoing Democrats the chance to pass legislation before Republicans take over state government, including the governor's office, next year.

As Their Terms End, Governors Show Mercy to Lawbreakers

TODAY'S TAKE: Jennifer Granholm of Michigan and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania both will leave office next month having granted clemency to hundreds of prisoners.

Two Former Governors to Embark on New Jobs

TODAY'S TAKE: Former Democratic governors Jennifer Granholm of Michigan and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania have settled on new jobs. Granholm will write a book and teach. Rendell will be an MSNBC pundit and join a law firm.

Rendell Proposal: Allow Prisoners to Care for Dogs

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Pennsylvania's former governor plans a statewide initiative to pair stray dogs with prisoners … Arizona weighs upping corrections spending even as it dramatically slashes funding elsewhere … Michigan considers allowing guns in hospitals, casinos and stadiums, and other public safety news.

Pennsylvania Governor Promises 'Day of Reckoning'

TODAY'S TAKE: While the new class of Republican governors has commanded plenty of attention in recent weeks, Pennsylvania's Tom Corbett has remained out of the spotlight. That changes today (March 8), when Corbett delivers what is expected to be an all-cuts budget.

Corbett Opens Door to Shale Drilling Fees

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Pennsylvania's governor budges slightly on bringing in revenue from gas drilling... California faces legal hurdles to greenhouse-gas reductions... Alaska's oil-tax cut is in trouble... and more energy and environment news.

Surplus Clouds Pa. Budget Debate

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are debating what to do with an extra $500 million this year, even as they contemplate making deep cuts next year, particularly to higher education.

Pennsylvania Experts Call for $2.5 Billion in New Revenue

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: A group of 40 specialists picked by Governor Tom Corbett recommended a wide range of new taxes and fees to improve Pennsylvania's crumbling transportation network. But they say even their $2.5-billion plan might not be enough.

Pennsylvania Struggles to Keep Up With Bridge Repairs

TODAY'S TAKE: Pennsylvania has quadrupled the money it spends on repairing structurally deficient bridges, but still leads the nation in the percentage of its bridges that need repair, a new report finds.

Penn State Case Spurs Movement for New Child Abuse Reporting Laws

TODAY'S TAKE: The Penn State sex abuse scandal has lawmakers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York and elsewhere considering new reporting requirements for those who learn of crimes against children.

Governor Gives Penn State an Ultimatum Over Open Records

TODAY'S TAKE: Penn State must comply with state open-records requirements or risk losing taxpayer money, Governor Tom Corbett is warning in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse charges.

Environmental Worries Shadow Natural Gas Expansion

DAMASCUS TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Seeking new sources of energy deep underground in the Northeast is an environmentally disruptive process. It is also a potential solution to much of the nation's energy shortage. The question is how dangerous to the environment it might be. Part two in a series.

Leaked Memo Touts Corbett's First Year at Expense of Republican Peers

TODAY'S TAKE: An internal memo promoted the Pennsylvania governor's record against Democratic and Republican predecessors in the state and Republican governors across the country.

More Republican Governors Push for Education Overhaul

EDUCATION BEAT: Republican governors in Pennsylvania and Iowa are unveiling plans for major education changes, joining a number of their peers in states such as Florida, Idaho and Maine who made similar moves during the most recent legislative sessions.

Pittsburgh and Harrisburg: A Tale of Two Deep-in-Debt Cities

Pennsylvania's capital city has filed for bankruptcy and is poised for a state takeover. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh continues to struggle to fill its pension fund. What lessons can localities learn from Pennsylvania?

Coming This Fall: Big Tuition Hikes

More than half the states cut funding for higher education this year, in some cases by more than 20 percent. The result will be double-digit tuition increases for hundreds of thousands of students and their families.

Pennsylvania's Successful Mortgage Relief Program Falls to Budget Axe

Pennsylvania's HEMAP program for troubled homeowners has helped more than 40,000 of them over nearly 30 years. But the state chose not to fund it in the fiscal 2012 budget.

Schools Fill Budget Holes With Fracking Revenues

Dozens of school districts, especially in Pennsylvania and Texas, have leased their mineral rights to natural gas companies. Those agreements have bolstered sagging school budgets, but come as concerns grow about the safety of natural gas extraction.

Harrisburg's Crisis Tests Pennsylvania

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Pennsylvania appears likely to take control of the finances of its capital city, but as a result of a new state law, Harrisburg won't be filing for bankruptcy any time soon.

High-Risk Health Care Plans Fail to Draw Crowd

The Obama administration is offering subsidized health insurance to people who have serious medical conditions-but the customers aren't coming.

Pennsylvania High Court Opens Its Doors for Cameras

TODAY'S TAKE: Pennsylvania Supreme Court proceedings are now being taped and aired on public television, a victory for open-government advocates who have not found the same success with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Natural Gas Drilling Fees Move Forward in Pennsylvania

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Budget deadline presses Pennsylvania to decide on natural gas extraction fee ... Governor Chris Christie reduces New Jersey's renewable energy goals ... New Hampshire unlikely to abandon cap-and-trade, and more energy and environment news.